Post by Tangerine Sherlock on Apr 18, 2012 13:00:48 GMT 1
NOUHA Dicko changed the clash with Leeds in Blackpool’s favour – just days after a health scare, writes STEVE CANAVAN.
With heart problems very much in the spotlight following the recent collapse of Fabrice Muamba and the death of an Italian footballer at the weekend, Dicko had his own scare when he returned to parent club Wigan for a health check.
During the routine check-up, it was discovered that the 19-year-old had an irregular heartbeat.
Further tests were done and the condition has been treated – and Dicko, who is on loan with the Seasiders for the remainder of the season, certainly showed no adverse effects during the latter stages of Pool’s clash with Leeds last night.
The winger came on with 20 minutes to go and the score locked at 0-0, and transformed the game thanks to his blistering pace and willingness to run at opponents.
He had a hand in creating Angel Martinez’s winner – all of which delighted manager Ian Holloway. The boss said: “I am delighted for Nouha because he has looked sharp in training for a while now.
“They found something in a heart check at Wigan and we lost him for a week because of that, but luckily he is OK and it was exciting to see him play.
“I picked the team deliberately because I wanted to use Nouha’s legs and his pace towards the end … and it really worked.
“He is so exciting when he gets going. We have to realise that and use it more. Matt Gilks could have looked long the minute he caught the ball because Nouha will get on the end of those. We have to learn that and we will.
“It is great to have him available, and Kevin Phillips will be training in the next few days and might come into the frame against Burnley.”
With heart problems very much in the spotlight following the recent collapse of Fabrice Muamba and the death of an Italian footballer at the weekend, Dicko had his own scare when he returned to parent club Wigan for a health check.
During the routine check-up, it was discovered that the 19-year-old had an irregular heartbeat.
Further tests were done and the condition has been treated – and Dicko, who is on loan with the Seasiders for the remainder of the season, certainly showed no adverse effects during the latter stages of Pool’s clash with Leeds last night.
The winger came on with 20 minutes to go and the score locked at 0-0, and transformed the game thanks to his blistering pace and willingness to run at opponents.
He had a hand in creating Angel Martinez’s winner – all of which delighted manager Ian Holloway. The boss said: “I am delighted for Nouha because he has looked sharp in training for a while now.
“They found something in a heart check at Wigan and we lost him for a week because of that, but luckily he is OK and it was exciting to see him play.
“I picked the team deliberately because I wanted to use Nouha’s legs and his pace towards the end … and it really worked.
“He is so exciting when he gets going. We have to realise that and use it more. Matt Gilks could have looked long the minute he caught the ball because Nouha will get on the end of those. We have to learn that and we will.
“It is great to have him available, and Kevin Phillips will be training in the next few days and might come into the frame against Burnley.”